Advent Devotions

Joy in the Darkness

Scripture:
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour." — Habakkuk 3:17–18 (NIV)

Reflection:
Habakkuk’s words are a powerful declaration of defiant joy. He surveys a landscape stripped bare—no crops, no livestock, no visible blessings—and yet, from the ruins, joy rises. This is not denial. It’s faith.

Advent teaches us to rejoice before the harvest comes. Like the prophet, we look toward God not just for what He gives, but for who He is. When everything else fails, God remains faithful. And that is cause for joy.

Illustration:
A gardener once shared how her most vibrant flowers came not from rich soil, but from ground that had endured drought. “The roots learned to go deeper,” she said. “That’s why they survived.” In spiritual drought, our joy roots deeper—not in ease, but in endurance.

Prayer:
Let joy take root in me despite the drought.
Teach me to rejoice not in what I see, but in who You are.
You are my strength, my Saviour, my song. Amen.